Flags to fly at half-staff in 1 Florida county for deputy killed in ambush
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags to fly at half-staff in one county to honor a deputy killed in the line of duty.
A violent firefight killed Lake County Master Deputy Bradley Link and injured two other deputies in early August.
Julie Sulpizio, also known as Julia Jefferson, 48, Eustis, was arrested and charged with murder in connection with the Aug. 2 death of Link.
When should flags fly at half-staff?
Fly the flags at half-staff sunrise to sunset, on Saturday, Aug. 10.
Where should flags be flown at half-staff?
"As a mark of respect, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at the Lake County Courthouse in Clermont, Florida and the City Hall of Clermont, Florida," DeSantis said.
Clermont is the largest city in Lake County, with an estimated July 2023 population of 48,621, according to the U.S. Census.
What did DeSantis say about Lake County Master Deputy Bradley Link?
"On Aug. 2, 2024, Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Link was shot and killed in the line of duty at the age of 28. He leaves behind his loving wife and parents.
"Before joining the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, he served with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for two years. Link was also a United States Army Reserves veteran," DeSantis said.
"His career exemplified an unwavering commitment to service. Link displayed bravery and valor in his efforts to protect his community and will be remembered for his sacrifice."
Lake County Deputy Link killed during ambush in Eustis, Florida
Lake County deputies responded to a 911 call on Aug. 2 from Sulpizio's neighbors, who said she was harassing them and trying to lead them back to her house.
Link was gunned down as he entered the living room. He tried to return fire, Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell said.
Master Deputy Sheriff Harold Howell was shot in the wrist while attempting to suppress the gunfire. Howell and the other deputies were forced to retreat. Link was then shot several more times, Grinnell said.
A firefight ensued between occupants in the house and deputies outside. The suspects refused to negotiate or release Link's body, Grinnell said.
According to the sheriff, Link's body cam captured a woman's voice yelling as she racked a firearm, "My king will kill all of you. You are Lucifer's children."
How many were killed, injured during gunfight in Eustis, Florida?
Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link was killed.
Michael Sulpizio, Cheyenne Sulpizio, and Savannah Sulpizio died of apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the head. Savannah Sulpizio, 23 and Cheyenne Sulpizio, 22, were Julie Sulpizio's two biological daughters, whom Michael Sulpizio, 49, her husband, had adopted.
Master Deputy Sheriff Harold Howell and Deputy First Class Stefano Gargano were injured. Both men were expected to make full recoveries.
How many weapons were found at the home in Eustis? What else was found?
Deputies with a search warrant found more than 20 firearms, ranging from high-caliber rifles to pistols and shotguns, Grinnell said, staged in the living room area with stockpiles of ammunition.
"A search of the house showed gas masks, body armor, ghillie (camouflage) suits, medical bags, bug-out bags, MREs, and bottled water stockpiles," Grinnell said. "Around the residence, anti-government propaganda was observed, along with conspiracy theory-related media."
Where is Eustis, Florida?
Eustis is an incorporated city in Lake County, about 40 miles north of Orlando next to Mount Dora and Tavares, nicknamed "America's Hometown."
Is it half-mast or half-staff?
On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast.
On shore, flags are flown at half-staff.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Flags half-staff respect Deputy Bradley Link killed lake county ambush
